Paintball gun kit

Abstract

A paintball gun kit preferably includes a plurality of non-fully assembled paintball gun components packaged for retail sale to a consumer. Instructions are preferably provided to instruct the consumer how to assemble the paintball gun components into an operational paintball gun. The paintball gun components can be packaged together or separately. The paintball gun kit can include, for example, a body, a grip, and a pneumatic assembly. Various numbers and arrangements of components are contemplated. Various styles, materials, and colors of paintball gun components can also be provided consistent with the principles of the present invention.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 056,938, filed Feb. 11, 2005, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 869,829, filed Jun. 15, 2004, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to pneumatic paintball guns (“markers”) and their operating components. More particularly, this invention relates to a pneumatic paintball gun and the pneumatic components used to load a paintball into and fire it from the paintball gun. This invention further relates to an arrangement and method for selling the paintball gun to an end user. [0004] 2. Related Art [0005] In the sport of paintball, it is generally desirable to have a marker that is as small and light as possible. Smaller and lighter markers increase a players' mobility. Players benefit from increased mobility by being able ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The bolt preferably includes a forward and a rearward piston surface area. A quantity of compressed gas is preferably selectively supplied and vented from a forward piston surface area through a mechanical or electro-pneumatic valving mechanism. The firing mechanism preferably consists of a sealing member arranged in selective communication with an outer surface of the bolt. One or more firing ports are preferably arranged in the bolt to communicate compressed gas through the bolt to launch a paintball. Compressed gas from the regulator can be supplied to the compressed gas storage area through a supply port. The flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area can be restricted or prevented during a firing operation to increase gas efficiency of the paintball gun.

[0012] When the bolt transitions to its forward position, a sealing member of the firing mechanism preferably disengages from the bolt surface area, permitting compressed gas from the compressed gas storage area to enter the bolt firing ports and launch a paintball from the marker. In addition, with the bolt in the firing position, the flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas storage area can be restricted. This can be accomplished, for instance, by configuring a rearward portion of the bolt to reduce the area through which compressed gas travels from the supply port to the compressed gas storage area. Alternatively, the supply of compressed gas to the compressed gas storage chamber can be cut off completely to prevent compressed gas from entering the storage chamber during the firing operation. This can be accomplished, for instance, by closing off the gas supply port using sealing members on a rearward end of the bolt, using sealing members on a separate, independent piston, by pinching a gas supply tube, or using a separate valving mechanism.

[0017] According to a still further aspect of this invention, an improved apparatus and method for grip mounting a circuit board can be provided. According to this method, one or more slots are preferably arranged in the grip frame to receive the circuit board. Most preferably, one slot is arranged on each side of the grip frame to receive opposing sides of the circuit board. The depth of the slots is preferably selected to arrange the circuit board in the appropriate location when the circuit board is fully inserted into the slots. In this embodiment, no tools or mounting screws are required to secure the circuit board in the paintball gun, thereby reducing the cost of parts and the cost of manufacturing. Manufacturing consistency is also improved. In addition, a solenoid valve can be mounted on the circuit board and arranged in the grip of the paintball gun. The circuit board can further include a trigger-actuated microswitch arranged on the circuit board, preferably on an opposite side of the circuit board from the solenoid valve.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the paintball gun may be arranged and sold to an end user in component, or “kit” form. All of the necessary operating components could be arranged in a single package or multiple packages to allow a user to buy the paintball gun kit and construct the paintball gun themselves. In this manner, a user will gain an increased familiarity with the paintball gun and its manner of construction and operation. The paintball gun will thereby be easier for them to troubleshoot and maintain. Providing a “kit” form of a paintball gun also allows for greater user customization, multiple packaging configurations, and a greater variety in price points to consumers. Reduction in labor costs by removing assembly from the manufacturing process allows the gun kit to be sold to consumers for a lower price than the fully-constructed marker. The paintball gun kits could be sold in partially assembled or completely disassembled forms. The paintball gun kits could further be sold in many different configurations, with different upgrade options, body styles, material components, etc., in order to meet the desires and price ranges of a wider variety of consumers.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional paintball markers may also be complex and difficult for end users to maintain or repair.

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